Wang, the Senior Officer, said with joy, “Chief Guo once had a confrontation with the Maitreya Sect. Why don’t we tell the origins and illusions of the Maitreya Sect to the other generals and soldiers?”

　　Chief Guo bowed and said, “General, please allow me some words. The Maitreya Sect was founded during the Southern Dynasties under Emperor Wu of Liang. Its founder, Fu Dashi, claimed to be the incarnation of the Bodhisattva of Wisdom who would come to deliver sentient beings under the twin trees. The teachings of compassion and enlightenment have been widely spread among the people for hundreds of years. At present, the main altar of the Maitreya Sect is located in Li Spring. Its leader, Liu Zhicheng, had studied illusion techniques under Master Ye for several years. He often uses these techniques to deceive the public, leading them to believe in divine incarnations. As a result, the sect has amassed a following of over a hundred thousand disciples.”

　　The generals and soldiers saw that Chief Guo was about thirty years old, handsome and robust, exuding an aura of confidence. He spoke eloquently and calmly, impressing them with his rich knowledge and experience. Captain Wang asked, “Since the doctrine of the Maitreya Sect preaches the birth of Maitreya as a Buddha, and thus should advocate against killing, why is it so addicted to killing?”

　　Chief Guo paused briefly before continuing, “Liu Zhicheng misinterprets the teachings of Maitreya’s incarnation as a Buddha from Buddhist scriptures, and the doctrine of Maitreya replacing Shakyamuni Buddha to descend and save the world. He disregards the Buddhist precepts against killing and instead advocates for violence and chaos. He believes that killing one person makes one a Bodhisattva at the First Ground, and killing ten people elevates one to the Tenth Ground of Bodhisattvahood. They massacre temples, slaughter monks and nuns, and destroy scriptures and statues. Moreover, Master Liu ordered the production of a pill called the “Maitreya Longevity Pill”. All new followers are required to take this pill. Once taken, followers become addicted. If they don’t take it for three days, they will suffer unbearable pain as if countless ants were crawling all over their bodies. Master Liu only provides the pill to those who obey his orders without question, creating a submissive following.”

　　Several months ago, Elder Fu Yu, senior guardian of the sect, brought to the attention of the sect leader that he had recently obtained the book “Tui Bei Tu” authored by Li Chunfeng and Yuan Tiangang. In the book, it was stated: “Maitreya’s descent with the Mahaṃaya sword fosters united aspirations, which in turn builds great endeavours”. Elder Fu urged the sect leader to heed the divine will, bringing peace to the people and embarking on the great endeavour as soon as possible.

　　Liu Zhicheng replied, “The prophecy about the dawn’s golden sword has a long history. In the thirteenth year of the Kaiyuan era (AD 725), Liu Dinggao of Luoyang was executed for rebellion at the Tongluo Gate. In the twenty-third year of the Kaiyuan era (AD 735), Liu Puhui from Dongdu rebelled and was also suppressed. Now, Elder Fu is urging me to take action. If our endeavour fails, my fate will be no different. What should I do then?”

　　Elder Fu Yu responded, “Liu Dinggao and Liu Puhui falsely believed that the prophecy referred to them simply because of their surname Liu, but that is not the case. The prophecy clearly points to our Maitreya Sect, with ‘Maitreya’s descent’ referring to our sect, and ‘united aspiration’ referring to your name (Zhicheng owns a similar meaning of united aspiration in Chinese). The true designated heir mentioned in the prophecy is our sect leader. If you take action, success is assured.” Thus, Liu Zhicheng initiated actions at Li Spring, launching attacks and conquering territories.

　　Captain Wang asked, “If that’s the case, how do we prevent Liu Zhicheng from escaping using his illusions?”

　　Chief Guo replied, “I’ve heard that illusions are merely tricks to deceive the eyes and are not formidable magic. Now that Liu Zhicheng’s hands and feet are bound with iron chains, I doubt he can use any illusions. Even if he knows some soul-capturing techniques, we can easily blindfold and gag him, rendering him unable to perform any illusions. I am willing to personally guard the prisoner carriage.”

　　Captain Wang Peng said, “Chief Guo’s words make sense. It’s true that someone from a martial background has insight. Chief, may I ask where you are from? Your accent sounds similar to my wife's, perhaps you are from the same hometown.”

　　Chief Guo bowed and said, “At your question, I am from Zheng County, Huazhou.”

　　Captain Wang said, “Indeed. Chief Guo, you have been following me for many years, but unfortunately, you haven’t had the opportunity to distinguish yourself and advance in rank. With your great contribution to suppressing the rebellion this time, when the court discusses merit and rewards, I wonder if there will be any titles or promotions for you.”

　　The Left Guard Chief replied, “I Guo Ziyi only wish to serve the court and the general by your side, without seeking any titles or rewards.”

　　After escorting Liu Zhicheng back to the capital, Emperor Xuanzong held a morning court session to discuss state affairs. He ordered substantial rewards for Captain Wang Peng and all the generals and soldiers. Chief Guo Ziyi was promoted to the position of Chief Clerk of the Captain’s Office of Guizhou Province.

　　After the matter of rewarding the soldiers was settled, Prime Minister Zhang Jiuling stepped forward and petitioned, “I propose to pardon the brothers Zhang Huo and Zhang Xiu from their death sentences.”

　　Zhang Hu and Zhang Xiu, who were they? They were the sons of Zhang Shensu, the captain of Xizhou. The imperial censor Yang Wanqing falsely accused Zhang Shensu of treason and had him executed, sending his two young sons, Zhang Hu and Zhang Xiu, into exile in secluded Lingnan. These two children, not yet ten years old, found themselves destitute and alone in Lingnan, forced to beg for survival and subjected to constant mistreatment.

　　One day, the two brothers were begging along the street, and after much difficulty, they managed to beg for half a loaf of bread. However, it was snatched away by older beggars. When the brothers tried to reclaim it, they were beaten severely instead.

　　After the older beggars left, the two brothers crouched in a corner, weeping. At that moment, a man in his thirties approached and handed each of them a piece of bread, saying, “Sons, don’t cry. If it’s not enough, I have more in my bundle.” Grateful, the two brothers hastily devoured the bread while scrutinizing the man. He was dressed simply in coarse hemp clothing, wearing straw sandals on his feet. Despite his modest attire, his eyes shone with a keen and penetrating gaze.

　　Zhang Xiu asked, “May I inquire about your honourable name, so that we may repay your kindness in the future?” The man smiled and replied, “It’s just a small gesture of kindness, hardly worth mentioning. My surname is Mo, with the given name Zhuzi. I am a disciple of the Mo School. From your accents, it seems you are not natives of Lingnan. May I ask why you have ended up here?”

　　Through gritted teeth, Zhang Hu replied, “Sir, you may not be aware of it, but my brother and I are the sons of Zhang Shensu, the captain of Xizhou. Our father was falsely accused and executed by Yang Wanqing. We were exiled here, but mark my words, one day we will return and seek vengeance!”

　　Zhuzi replied, “You two are still young, seeking vengeance is not an easy task. Just being able to live without being bullied is already an accomplishment. Today, seeing your loyalty and righteousness, how about this? I will teach you a few self-defence techniques so that you can protect yourselves in Lingnan and live a better life without being bullied.”

　　Zhang Hu and Zhang Xiu were deeply moved and bowed in gratitude. Zhuzi led the two children to a bamboo grove outside the city and said to them, “In the Mohist school, we advocate universal love and non-aggression. Martial arts are only for self-defence. You must never use them to act recklessly or seek revenge. Do you understand?” The brothers nodded earnestly in agreement.

　　Zhuzi continued, “Then let me teach you both a few techniques of the Five Awls and Knives. There are five awls, called ‘Tang’, for they must first be sharpened; there are five knives, called ‘Cuo’, for they must first be ground. Therefore, when the wellspring is near exhaustion, the trees are near felling, the sacred tortoise is near roasting, and the divine serpent is near raging, it is said that when things reach their zenith, they are difficult to maintain. That’s why in Mohist martial arts, we emphasize the harmony of rigidity and flexibility. The essence of the Five Awls and Knives lies not in mere form but in deep comprehension of Mohist principles. The deeper your understanding, the greater the power.”

　　After teaching the two brothers a series of knife techniques, Zhuzi said, “I have urgent matters to attend to. Practice diligently every day, and in time, you will no longer be bullied in Lingnan.” With that, he vanished into the distance.

　　Zhang Hu and Zhang Xiu diligently practised day by day. By the third month of the twenty-third year of the Kaiyuan era (AD 735), Zhang Hu was thirteen years old, while his younger brother Zhang Xiu was only eleven. Zhang Xiu said to his brother, “We have been fortunate to encounter a master who taught us some knife techniques. It’s time for us to seek revenge for our father. Why don’t we sneak back to the Eastern Capital, Luoyang, and take vengeance with our own hands?”

　　Zhang Hu hesitated for a moment, bowing his head in deep thought. After a while, he replied, “Zhuzi admonished us not to seek revenge. He taught us martial arts to protect ourselves from bullying and to survive. By seeking vengeance, wouldn’t we be betraying his kind intentions?”

　　Zhang Xiu responded, “Avenging our father is an obligation that cannot be shirked. It is not the conduct of a nobleman to let grievances go unaddressed. I dream of our father every night, covered in blood with his body torn apart. If you won’t go, I will go to Luoyang myself to seek vengeance.”

　　Zhang Hu replied, “How could I allow my younger brother to risk himself alone? Well! Let us return to Luoyang together and seek vengeance to ease our hearts.” 

　　The two brothers then journeyed northward and returned to the Eastern Capital, Luoyang. One night, near the Wei Wang Pond, they intercepted Yang Wanqing.

　　Zhang Hu and Zhang Xiu unleashed the Mohist Five Awls and Knives technique. Their swordsmanship was fierce, overwhelming the guards accompanying Yang Wanqing. Zhang Hu swiftly leapt in front of Yang Wanqing’s horse, slashing the horse’s leg with his blade. As Yang Wanqing fell from his horse and attempted to flee towards the Wei Wang Pond, Zhang Xiu, though young, acted decisively. Without hesitation, he leapt behind Yang Wanqing and with a swift stroke of his blade, ended his life.

　　The two brothers wrote down the injustices suffered by their father and the reason for killing Yang Wanqing on a plaque, which they hung on an axe. With determination, they headed towards Jiangnan, intending to seek out and punish those who conspired with Yang Wanqing to frame their father. Only after accomplishing this did they plan to surrender themselves to the authorities.

　　As they reached Sishui, they were spotted by the government’s constables. Dozens of burly men surrounded the two brothers. Being young and not deeply understanding the essence of Mohist martial arts, they found themselves at a disadvantage.

　　The Mo school’s Five Awl and Knife technique states: “When observing others’ homes, regard them as one’s own; when observing others’ bodies, regard them as one’s own.” Despite the use of knife techniques, one must harbour love in one’s heart, for only then can the full power of the Mo School’s Five Awl and Knife technique be unleashed.

　　These two brothers, consumed by thoughts of revenge and devoid of love in their hearts, wielded their knives with excessive ferocity. As the saying goes, “Going too far is as bad as not going far enough”, so their power was not great. They were no match for the stout-hearted men of Shandong. The constables of Sishui captured the brothers alive and reported to the court. This case stirred up a sensation in Luoyang, where the people sympathized with the Zhang brothers. Despite their tender age, they were seen as filial sons seeking justice for their father, earning the admiration of the local people.

　　Therefore, Zhang Jiuling sought to save the two brothers and continued his plea, saying, “According to the rites of the Zhou dynasty, it is stated: ‘Those who seek revenge, as recorded in the books for gentlemen, are guiltless in killing. The vengeance for a father is not shared with heaven, the vengeance for a brother does not lead to war, and the vengeance between acquaintances does not involve different nations.’”

　　The Minister of Rites, Li Linfu, regarded this as an act of undermining the laws of the state and countered, “To kill someone and then let them go free would indeed undermine the laws of the state, which cannot be accepted.”

　　The Imperial Attendant, Pei Yaoqing, pondered, “Emotion cannot supersede the law. Li Linfu, this old fox, usually manipulates political tactics and speaks with a silver tongue, yet unexpectedly, he understands the principles of law even better than Zhang Jiuling. Zhang Jiuling, known for his loyalty, outspokenness, and talent in governance, is a renowned statesman of the time, yet in matters of law, he appears so conservative. Truly, everyone has their strengths and weaknesses.” Then he said to Zhang Jiuling, “The law is established by the government, and punishment must resonate with the people’s sentiments. Rewards are preserved by adhering to the law, and penalties are imposed upon those who defy it. The law has been determined, and kind words should not undermine it.”

　　As a prominent scholar of his time, Zhang Jiuling always referred to Confucius and Mencius in his arguments. He continued to debate, saying, “Zixia asked Confucius, saying: ‘How should one deal with the enmity of one’s parents?’ Confucius replied: ‘Conceal it, bear it alone, and do not share it with the world. If encountering them in the market or at court, do not resort to arms and fight.’ If even Confucius advocated such principles, how much more should the common people abide by them?”

　　Li Linfu glanced at Emperor Xuanzong, noticing his hesitation. He then bowed respectfully and addressed the emperor, saying, “May I report to Your Majesty that during the reign of Empress Wu, there was a case where Xu Yuanqing avenged his father’s death by killing someone. Empress Wu intended to pardon Xu Yuanqing, but Left Deputy Imperial Censor Chen Ziang offered his advice, saying, ‘Those who kill must die; this is the rule of drawing a line. The law must be consistent; Yuanqing should accept his guilt and be punished accordingly, in accordance with the principles of the state. Only then can his filial piety be praised by erecting a tomb for his family and honouring his deeds.’ I believe that the case of the Zhang brothers avenging their father can be considered in light of this precedent.”

　　Pei Yaoqing also continued to advise, saying, “May I humbly submit to Your Majesty that in my opinion, it is inappropriate to both honor and punish simultaneously. Ritual and law are unified; to enforce punishment is to uphold the principles of the state. But if we also honour their deeds, it will confuse the people and contradict both ritual and law. In my humble opinion, the approach advocated by Archivist Chen Ziang still has its flaws. The Zhang brothers should be executed according to the laws of the land, and their actions should not be praised.”

　　To find out what decision Emperor Xuanzong made, please stay tuned for the next chapter.